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Course Description:
"Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding" (Proverbs 3:13). In this course learners discover the role of wisdom in the Book of Proverbs by doing an exegetical study of its contents in their cultural, historical, and literary settings. The course begins with an analysis of the book's structure and purpose, focusing on the forms of wisdom literature as seen in the literary structure of Proverbs. Dr. Waltke then moves to poetic analysis and finally to the prominent theme of wisdom that permeates the book. Students are encouraged to apply wisdom themes to life.
Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
- Understand the Book of Proverbs in its historical, canonical, and contemporary contexts.
- Recognize the forms of wisdom literature in the Book of Proverbs in light of Ancient Near Eastern collections of sayings and admonitions.
- Define "wisdom" and understand the relationship of God and man to wisdom.
- Understand the interpretive issues in the Book of Proverbs.
- Know God by doing His will as expressed in this book.
Course Texts:
Clements, Ronald E. One Hundred Years of Old Testament Interpretation. Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1976.
Crenshaw, James L. Old Testament Wisdom. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 1998.
Kidner, Derek. Proverbs: An Introduction and Commentary. Tyndale Old Testament
Commentary, vol. 15. Downer's Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1964.
Kinder, Derek. The Wisdom of Proverbs, Job and Ecclesiastes: An Introduction to Wisdom Literature. Downer's Grove, IL:InterVarsity Press, 1985.
Von Rad, Gerhard. Wisdom in Israel. Nashville: Abingdon, 1972. Reprint, Valley Forge, PA: Trinity Press, 1993.
Whybray, R.N. Proverbs New Century Bible Commentary. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1994.
(Only available through ITS)
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